NTCRI exhibits contemporary objects evolved from traditional taiwan crafts

for design enthusiasts and artists, taiwan is a home of artisanal permanency balanced with exploration. centuries of craft tradition are kept alive, progressed and evolved into contemporary culture. the national taiwan craft research and development institute (NTCRI) showcases this fusion of old and new with the revisited online exhibition ‘neo-taiwanese/le néo-artisanat taïwanais’. streamed on maison & objet and more (MOM), the event continues to foster young and renowned professionals who share their innovative expertise and skills while they solemnly keep the country’s customs alive.

all images courtesy of national taiwan craft research and development institute

the highly experimental but always elegant works presented at NTCRI express fine quality, exceptional attention to detail and immense creativity. the title and theme, ‘semi-cooked’, is in fact a reference to the now concrete base of taiwanese craft, whilst hinting to the field’s many possibilities that are yet to be developed. the motto also carries forward the diversity behind the designs as the concept continues to evolve. the exhibition exemplifies the art to creating seamless, simple yet intelligent, emotional design. the objects on show hide complexity in favor for pure simplicity. that is where the local artisanal mastery demonstrates its ingenious ability to revisit every day objects in contemporary and innovative ways.

director and curator ben chiu seeks for these quotidian crafts in order to form a connection between the public’s needs and the projects. he sees the artists as interpreters, aiming to translate their works into a language recognizable by whoever the visitor or the viewer is; a key element of every exhibit. this engagement is enhanced through the collection of artwork and skills that easily demonstrate innovative design with functionality and practicality. as art is the perfect playground to experiment and test alliances of materials, new perspectives keep opening in taiwan’s craftsmanship evolution. where wood meets metal, ceramic meets brass, and traditional weaving techniques intertwine with diverse materials, the artisans of the nation builds upon its true identity.

the ‘bicycle project‘, and ‘the commotion in the back garden‘ are prime examples of taiwanese artistry unveiling contemporary and unfamiliar production methods. for example, with the rediscovery of the bike as a cost-effective and great alternative to public transport, local designers put their skills to the test to carry technology forward while respecting handmade techniques. the choice of natural materials, refined qualities and traditional methods on show by the NTCRI attests to how traditional taiwan crafts are adapting for modern challenges.

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